The Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga (WFGC) has announced the rollout of a community input survey aimed at shaping its policy advocacy agenda over the next three to five years.
Purpose of the Survey
As a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, WFGC focuses on advocating for the interests of women and girls in three critical areas: economic opportunity, health, and safety. The results from this survey will play a vital role in guiding the organization’s priorities and addressing root causes of pressing local issues.
Historical Context of Advocacy
Since its inception, the WFGC has championed various initiatives, including the launch of the Anti-Human Trafficking hotline in collaboration with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This effort has significantly contributed to Tennessee achieving the top rank in the U.S. for protective legislation concerning human trafficking victims.
Moreover, the organization’s advocacy efforts have successfully secured funding from the Hamilton County Commission for essential ovarian and cervical cancer screenings. Their mission has expanded to tackle issues surrounding women’s health access, along with safeguarding vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and abuse victims.
Leadership Insights
“For nearly 20 years, the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga has been at the forefront of advocacy for women and girls in Tennessee,” remarked Melody Shekari, the executive director of the organization. She further emphasized that “the results from the survey will inform how we address root causes of local issues, change laws, and advocate for policies that have a positive impact on women and girls.”
Ann Coulter, a founding board member, added, “When we launched in 2008, we hosted a series of focus groups and community meetings to learn what women in the community thought needed to change to help women thrive in all walks of life. Our successes have been a direct result of listening and community input.” She noted that the organization’s current cultural, social, and political landscape necessitates this broad outreach. “This is the first time since 2008 that the WFGC has asked for widespread input,” said Shekari.
Expanding Initiatives
Beyond policy advocacy, WFGC is also involved in supplementary efforts. These include improving the affordability and accessibility of menstrual products in schools and promoting collaborative philanthropy.
Shekari concluded, “We know that when we successfully advocate for policies and support programs that positively impact women and girls, our whole community benefits.”
How to Participate
The community is encouraged to participate in the survey, which takes approximately five minutes to complete. Each individual is advised to fill it out only once. The survey will remain accessible until the end of June.
Learn More
For additional information on the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, please visit chattanoogawomensfund.org.
